Drug Discovery

Anti-amyloid

A Combinatorial Search for Beta-Cyclodextrins to Abate the Neurotoxicity of Amyloid-beta-Peptide in Alzheimer’s Disease

Investigator(s): Duane Venton, PhD

Institution(s): University of Illinois, Chicago, IL

Duration: 2000 - 2002

Summary:

Beta-amyloid is a nerve cell toxin that plays an important role in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Reducing the toxicity of beta-amyloid in AD is the focus of this drug discovery and lead compound selection program. Antibodies are produced by the bodies defense system to protect against toxins and bacteria by the binding and inactivating them. An antibody or anti-body-like compound that binds and inactivates beta-amyloid would be useful in helping to treat AD. Compounds called Beta-cyclodextrins have been shown to bind to beta-amyloid like an antibody and prevent it from killing brain cells grown in culture. Dr. Venton proposes to use this information to develop new beta-cyclodextrins that can enter the brain and block beta-amyloid from causing nerve cell death.